Battle on the beach

The sun was shining and the heat was on last Sunday, July 7, as every team in the Pembroke Mixed Beach Volleyball League brought its top game. The date also marked the halfway point of the regular season.

In the first game of the day, the undermanned 4 Play on the Beach met I’d Hit That. 4 Play on the Beach came out strong and won the first set. I’d Hit That came back with one of their best sets of the season as Beth Turner and Brian McConnell clicked on a number of plays. Eric Penner and an exhausted Jessica Dagenais willed their team to a third set victory before Shane Cybulski closed out the fourth set victory for his team. 4 Play on the Beach pulled out a four-set win 25-22, 16-25, 25-19, and 26-24.

The second game of the day saw Sets On The Beach take on the Smokin Aces. Smokin Aces jumped out to a two-set lead with Brad Hollet asserting his size at the net while Maryse Allard and Marc Gignac controlled the passing game. Sets On the Beach then played an inspired third set coming away with a win led by Taylor Decaire and Claire Ullrich. With Sets On The Beach finally finding their sand legs, Smokin Aces knew they had to close out the fourth set and did behind Kendra Wilson’s play at the net. Smokin Aces took it in four sets by scores of 25-11, 29-19, 23-25, and 25-17.

Third game of the day was a clash between the juggernaut 4 Pete and Sandy Balls. 4 Pete has so far cakewalked through the season and Sunday was no different. Adding Briana Donnelly to the already potent lineup only made them more unstoppable. Sandy Balls came together and put up a great effort but were no match for 4 Pete who won in three-straight sets by scores of 25-14, 25-17, and 25-22.

The final game of the day was certainly worth the wait as Suns out Guns Out and Dustin The Duster played a candidate for game of the year. This game was back and forth and saw numerous long rallies, exciting digs and big points. Suns Out Guns Out squeaked out a three sets (25-20, 25-12, 15-12) to two (25-19, 25-19) victory but both teams should be commended for the show they put on.

For standings and scheduling info please please the league’s website at PMBVL.com.